Kamala Das – An Introduction
Kamala Das’s “An Introduction” is one of the most important confessional poems in Indian English literature. Appearing in her 1965 collection Summer in Calcutta, the poem explores identity, womanhood, language, sexuality, rebellion, and self-expression. Using an honest, bold, autobiographical voice, Das challenges social expectations about women and claims her right to speak freely.
About the Poet – Kamala Das
- Kamala Das (1934–2009) – One of India’s most powerful confessional poets.
- Known for her honesty about womanhood, marriage, desire, and emotional suffering.
- Major works include My Story, Summer in Calcutta, The Descendants.
Stanza-wise Summary
The poem is written as a single long stanza but contains several internal sections. Below is a clear breakdown of the major ideas.
1. Introduction: Her Identity & Politics
The poem opens with Kamala Das speaking about the political leaders of India — “Nehru,” “I don’t know politics,” etc. She says she is an ordinary Indian citizen who can express her opinions like anyone else. This asserts her right to speak and be heard.
2. Claiming Her Mother Tongue
She talks about knowing many languages but says her strongest expression comes in her “mother tongue” — Malayalam. She writes in English too, and defends her choice. If English is not her language, it still becomes hers through use. She insists that language should not be restricted by race or nationality.
3. Her Childhood & Physical Growth
She describes her growing-up years, how she became conscious of her body. Puberty brought changes, and people began to tell her how to behave: what to wear, how to sit, what to speak. This reflects the pressure on girls to conform to social norms.
4. Forced Marriage & Loss of Innocence
At sixteen she was married to a man much older. The marriage forced her into a role she was unprepared for. Her husband treated her body as an object, leading to emotional emptiness. This section expresses her trauma and loneliness.
5. Search for Love & Identity
She acknowledges having relationships outside marriage in search of emotional fullness. She says she is not ashamed of this — her need for love is natural. She refuses to be judged for asserting her sexuality.
6. Society’s Attempts to Control Women
People tell her: “Be a wife, be a mother, don’t be yourself.” They expect her to fit into traditional roles. Society wants women to be obedient and silent.
7. Rebellion Through Authenticity
Kamala Das defiantly says she will be herself. Whether she speaks in English or Malayalam, whether she loves a man or woman, she will remain true to her feelings. Her body and her experiences belong to her alone.
8. Assertion of Identity
She proclaims: “I am what I am.” She embraces her vulnerabilities, sorrows, and desires. Her voice becomes the voice of countless women in India wanting freedom and individuality.
Major Themes
- Female Identity – The poem is a struggle to define who she is beyond roles.
- Confessional Poetry – Personal experiences form the core of the poem.
- Language & Expression – English becomes a tool for self-expression despite criticism.
- Gender Roles – From childhood onward, society controls women.
- Marriage & Sexuality – Honest portrayal of a failed marriage and emotional longing.
- Rebellion – She rejects social norms and asserts her individuality.
Symbols
- House/Walls – Confinement of traditional roles.
- Dress & Manners – Societal control over women.
- Language – Freedom, identity, selfhood.
- Body – Ownership of one’s life and emotions.
Poetic & Literary Devices
- Free verse – No regular meter or rhyme; natural speech flow.
- Repetition – “I am Indian, very brown, born in Malabar.”
- Imagery – Vivid emotional and physical descriptions.
- Irony – Society’s contradictory expectations.
- Confessional tone – Honest, raw, personal revelations.
Critical Analysis
- The poem is a declaration of freedom and individuality.
- Kamala Das questions patriarchal norms and stereotypes.
- Her honesty creates a universal connection with women seeking selfhood.
- Her use of English shows linguistic freedom and creativity.
- The poem is both political and personal — a feminist manifesto.
Important Lines Explained
- “I am Indian, very brown, born in Malabar.”
Assertion of identity and belonging. - “They told me I must not sit on walls…”
Reflects restrictions on girls’ freedom. - “The language I speak becomes mine…”
Assertive claim that expression belongs to the speaker, not to critics. - “I am sinner, I am saint.”
She embraces all aspects of herself — flaws and strengths.
Quick Revision Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Poet | Kamala Das |
| Poem | An Introduction |
| Collection | Summer in Calcutta (1965) |
| Genre | Confessional / Feminist Poetry |
| Themes | Identity, womanhood, language, sexuality |
| Tone | Bold, honest, rebellious |
| Form | Free verse, autobiographical |
| Message | A woman has the right to self-expression and autonomy. |
What to Read Next
→ 50 Important MCQs on “An Introduction” (Click to Reveal Answers)
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